第905堀:帰ってきた奥さんたちと竜人族 (Part1)
### Chapter 905: The Wives Return and the Dragonkin
**Side: Yuki**
"Yoo-hoo! Yuki-san!! Everyone!"
"Yuki-san! Everyone!"
"……We’re back."
The moment they spotted us, Riel and the others came running over, calling out those words.
Mauve and his group seemed surprised by their sudden dash, but upon seeing us, their expressions quickly softened into wry smiles as they walked toward us at a more leisurely pace.
The Dragonkin, including Lord Gaul, who had come along with them, seemed to be struggling to grasp the situation, their faces still etched with bewilderment.
Still, they didn’t seem to be acting hostile, so I supposed that was fine.
But more importantly…
"Welcome back, Riel, Tori, Kaya."
"Yup! We’re home!"
"Yes. We’re home."
"……We’re home."
The first priority was to offer words of appreciation to my wives for their safe return.
"I’m glad to see you’re all healthy and uninjured. And you’ve certainly brought back quite the big catch."
"That’s right! Ehehe!"
"Honestly, Riel. Yuki-san, please don’t spoil her too much. She was reckless again this time."
"……Well, the result of that was being able to bring Gaul and his people here."
Riel looked delighted, while Tori wore her usual expression, implying that supporting Riel had been an exhausting ordeal. Kaya, for her part, was watching the two of them with her characteristic calm.
They were the usual trio—a fantastic team.
As I listened to their chatter, Mauve and his group arrived.
"Yo. Good work. Thanks for bringing the wives back safely."
"……You’re well aware of the various troubles we faced on the road, right?"
"Even so. You properly went along with my selfishness. It’s only right that I offer my thanks."
I was well aware that I had put Mauve and his team through some unreasonable demands. In that sense, I had to express my gratitude properly.
"Well, if that’s the case, I’ll accept your thanks. Oh, and a reward of extra liquor wouldn’t go amiss."
"Ha, I can manage that much. Let’s see, I’ll have a few bottles delivered. Now, back to business—would you mind introducing the people behind you?"
I wanted to hand over the alcohol and thank them immediately, but that would have to wait. Today, the priority was handling the visiting Dragonkin.
I turned my gaze toward the group: an old man who looked like an ordinary human in every respect, accompanied by four adults.
I already knew all their names from the preliminary reports, but since they didn’t know who I was, a formal introduction was necessary.
"Allow me to handle the introductions," Lowell said, stepping forward.
Ah, right. Gartz had sent personnel as well. Her younger sister, Charl, was standing behind her, so I supposed she was stepping up to maintain Gartz’s dignity.
"I’ll leave it to you."
"Very well. Allow me to introduce him. This is Gaul, the leader of the Dragonkin who dwell atop the Dragon Mountain."
As Lowell looked toward Gaul, he stepped forward…
"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Gaul, and I serve as the leader of the Dragonkin village."
He introduced himself with a slight bow. It seemed they had similar customs.
As I was thinking that, Charl stepped forward.
"And, Lord Gaul, this is Yuki-sama, the consort of the Queen of the Weed Kingdom."
"Greetings. Thank you for your polite introduction. I am truly grateful that you have traveled such a long distance on such short notice."
It really was on short notice. It was a brilliant suggestion by Riel and Lowell, but I never imagined they would actually be able to bring the Dragonkin back with them.
Normally, such a thing would only be realized after repeated negotiations; I had completely overlooked the option of proposing an immediate visit. Above all, my primary concern had been avoiding hostility.
But setting that aside, I listened to Lord Gaul’s response.
"Oh, I am honored that the Consort himself would come to welcome us."
"Not at all. Ideally, the Queen should have been the one to greet you, but due to circumstances, I have come as her proxy. Please forgive our lack of proper protocol."
"No, no. There is no need for you to be so considerate of us. Though, I suppose that is not allowed?"
"As expected, I cannot treat you and your kin, who possess the ability to transform into dragons, with anything less than the utmost respect. While I understand you may wish to explore freely, you are here as representatives of the Dragonkin village, so I ask for your understanding in that regard."
"Indeed. Above all, this is our first time in this land, so we look forward to your guidance. I know you all wish to see the sights, but remember that you are here as representatives. Do not act rashly. If you cause a scandal, it will reflect directly upon the reputation of our village."
"Yes!"
I see. He was reminding his subordinates, who were clearly excited by everything they saw and heard.
Still, I didn’t intend to be overly rigid. It was necessary for them to get to know Weed properly.
"Well, I will assign those Goblins over there to guide you, so feel free to explore the town during your free time."
"Huh!?"
Steve let out a surprised noise, but I sent him a look telling him not to complain. I would handle the security gaps myself.
"Understood. Lord Gaul, please let us know if you need anything."
"Oh, that is most appreciated. I look forward to working with you, Steve-san. Besides, with these Goblins here, I’m sure they could suppress us immediately even if we were to run wild."
"?"
The accompanying Dragonkin tilted their heads in confusion at Gaul’s words, but to us, it was a truly startling statement.
It meant that Lord Gaul had already gauged the true strength of Steve and his men.
However, this wasn’t the time or place to ask how he knew.
"Now, since it’s uncomfortable to talk while standing, let me guide you to your lodging. Please, this way."
I led them toward the limousine bus I had kept on standby.
"Oh, so this is the vehicle. But I see neither horses to pull it nor any harnesses?"
"Yes, we don’t use horses. It is equipped with something akin to a magic tool, allowing it to move on its own without being pulled."
"My, my. The world has certainly become convenient."
"Technological progress is truly astonishing. Please, step inside."
As we boarded the bus while making small talk…
"Hello there, Master. Welcome back. What would you like to drink?"
Queen Miyabi appeared, wearing a gothic lolita maid outfit and a radiant smile.
"……"
No, I was the one who had set this up, but I never expected her to prepare such a reunion.
After all…
*“Hmm. So you’ve made contact with Gaul? In that case, I shall act as the intermediary. It will go more smoothly that way.”*
She had said that with such a serious face!
What is this? Is Queen Miyabi actually the Luna type?
The type who enjoys destroying people’s stomachs!